Garbage-Loving Dog Owes Freedom to Animal Officer Who Sedated Himself

WASHINGTON, Ill. — It might be a good idea if state animal control officers are given some marksmanship training.

An animal control officer shot the wrong mammal with a dart gun--himself.

Kelly Arrowood, 28, had to be treated briefly at a Peoria hospital Wednesday because he accidentally discharged a dart muscle relaxant into his arm as he was chasing a well-known, garbage-eating beagle.

After he shot himself with the drug Vetelar, Arrowood said he felt woozy. He drove to a gasoline station and passed out in his car. The next thing he says he remembers is another animal control officer tapping him on the shoulder.

Though Arrowood had no memory of the conversation, the other officer said Arrowood had called him by radio and told him that he was at the gas station.